Yeo Han-koo (여한구), South Korea's chief trade negotiator, visited Washington to respond to the Trump administration's plan to raise tariffs on South Korea. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said on Tuesday that Yeo has been in Washington, D.C. since Jan. 29 and met key figures from the U.S. government, Congress and industry.

The trip aims to seek ways to resolve trade issues between South Korea and the United States that have intensified after President Donald Trump announced higher tariffs on South Korea. Yeo contacted the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and other administration and congressional officials, as well as industry representatives including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

He stressed to officials across sectors that the South Korean government wanted to directly understand the U.S. side's rationale for the tariff increase, convey its willingness to implement existing agreements between the two countries and explain South Korea's position on the impact of tariff measures on both economies and industries, while seeking a mutually beneficial solution.

He also visited the U.S. Congress and held a closed-door meeting with about 20 lawmakers in charge of trade issues. He explained that existing agreements between the two countries were being faithfully implemented in non-tariff areas such as digital. The ministry said he focused on improving understanding in the U.S. government and Congress by conveying the status of implementation in addition to legislative procedures for special laws.

"We will continue to consult intensively with the U.S. government, Congress and industry to find a reasonable solution that both South Korea and the United States can accept," Yeo said.